polynya
noun
po·lyn·ya
ˌpä-lən-ˈyä 
plural polynyas also polynyi
ˌpä-lən-ˈyē
: an area of open water in sea ice
Examples of polynya in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The polynya attracts narwhals, whales, walruses, birds, and seals, which in turn attract polar bears.
—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
24 Nov. 2025
It was discovered about a decade ago that this meltwater was providing iron-rich water to the polynya.
—
Allison Chinchar,
CNN,
7 May 2022
The Weddell polynya, however, formed much farther from shore.
—
Ainslie Cruickshank,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 Mar. 2021
Researchers at the University of Toronto-Mississauga found the polynya formed on May 14, 2020.
—
Jordan Mendoza,
USA TODAY,
15 May 2020
Since breaking off, both icebergs have moved into an area called a polynya or polynia, where an expanse of open water is surrounded by sea-ice.
—
Smriti Rao,
Discover Magazine,
26 Feb. 2010
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
24 Nov. 2025
It was discovered about a decade ago that this meltwater was providing iron-rich water to the polynya.
—
Allison Chinchar,
CNN,
7 May 2022
The Weddell polynya, however, formed much farther from shore.
—
Ainslie Cruickshank,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 Mar. 2021
Researchers at the University of Toronto-Mississauga found the polynya formed on May 14, 2020.
—
Jordan Mendoza,
USA TODAY,
15 May 2020
Since breaking off, both icebergs have moved into an area called a polynya or polynia, where an expanse of open water is surrounded by sea-ice.
—
Smriti Rao,
Discover Magazine,
26 Feb. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Polynya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polynya. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
